The Sunday after Christmas each year, my pastor (and husband) writes a story instead of a sermon. He gave it to me with a red pen to proof and it was so good I hardly had to mark it. So I thought I would share it with you.
The Day Santa Never Came
http://www.sonlifecommunitychurch.org/ourvoices/sermons/2008-12-24.mp3
Enjoy!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
A True Christmas Parable
Merry Christmas Everyone! We had a fun, chaotic day with our family and my extended family. When I was about to put the ham in the oven, I realized the oven was broken. So we grilled it and it turned out fine. I didn't even freak out over plan B. Now Maren is in bed and all the other kids are at the hotel with my parents and sister. I decided to stay home and "clean up".
It's so easy at this time of the year to get wrapped up in materialism. Everyone asks the kids what they want. We try to find things that will make them squeal with joy. In some ways, Christmas opens the door to greediness: things you want, things you didn't get, things you still want to buy.
So now that I am sitting in front of the fire I want to share a story with you. Actually, it's a western!
Out in the middle of nowhere, in ranching land, there lives a wealthy and successful rancher named Bob. He works hard and has acquired lots of land and lots of cattle.
There is another rancher named Charlie, he also works hard but has not acquired the amount of success and wealth as Bob.
One day, a large desirable piece of land came up for auction. It was good, rich pasture smack dab in the middle of Charlie and Bob's land. At the auction, the bidding came down to the two men, both of which desired the land. As the bidding continued, Bob stopped and walked away. People were shocked. Bob's father was mad. He knew his son could have easily doubled the bid and won the land. Most people knew that Bob didn't get outbid, he let the other man have it.
There are some lessons I'm trying to teach my kids:
Some things have higher value than material possesions.
Just because you CAN buy it, doesn't necessarily mean you should.
Humility.
All of which I think are illustrated in this story. Merry Christmas!
Luke 2:13-14
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
It's so easy at this time of the year to get wrapped up in materialism. Everyone asks the kids what they want. We try to find things that will make them squeal with joy. In some ways, Christmas opens the door to greediness: things you want, things you didn't get, things you still want to buy.
So now that I am sitting in front of the fire I want to share a story with you. Actually, it's a western!
Out in the middle of nowhere, in ranching land, there lives a wealthy and successful rancher named Bob. He works hard and has acquired lots of land and lots of cattle.
There is another rancher named Charlie, he also works hard but has not acquired the amount of success and wealth as Bob.
One day, a large desirable piece of land came up for auction. It was good, rich pasture smack dab in the middle of Charlie and Bob's land. At the auction, the bidding came down to the two men, both of which desired the land. As the bidding continued, Bob stopped and walked away. People were shocked. Bob's father was mad. He knew his son could have easily doubled the bid and won the land. Most people knew that Bob didn't get outbid, he let the other man have it.
There are some lessons I'm trying to teach my kids:
Some things have higher value than material possesions.
Just because you CAN buy it, doesn't necessarily mean you should.
Humility.
All of which I think are illustrated in this story. Merry Christmas!
Luke 2:13-14
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sticky Gunk
I was cleaning the top of my oven tonight and it's not just because my Mother is coming tomorrow. Okay, actually it is. Since I have very limited counter space and most of the space I do have is usually covered with junk, I tend to use the oven top for food prep. Plus, I let things boil over all the time.
The other day I made a can of tomato soup and it bubbled over. In my haste to feed everyone, I didn't take time to wipe it up. Then I spilled some rice on the same spot. So today, I spent 20 minutes scouring it off. Isn't that just the way it goes?
All those little messes that build up into one massive problem! Why don't I just take the 30 seconds to wipe it up when it's a little mess?
And it reminded me of keeping a short account with God. Dealing with sin daily and asking God for forgiveness before it builds up and becomes a major problem.
And keeping a tab on anger and bitterness that so easily builds up. It seems like in my life it happens little by little, a small offense or off-handed comment that I let fester into a big time grudge. After which every comment or gesture is cause for me to take offense.
Thinking about Christmas and all God has done for me makes me feel like a petty little brat for harboring these feelings. I've been trying to practice asking God for forgiveness daily and asking him to show me areas that need change that I don't even see yet. And asking Him daily to replace my feelings of bitterness, anger or resentment with His love.
The amazing this is that He does it!
Colossians 3:5-17
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
The other day I made a can of tomato soup and it bubbled over. In my haste to feed everyone, I didn't take time to wipe it up. Then I spilled some rice on the same spot. So today, I spent 20 minutes scouring it off. Isn't that just the way it goes?
All those little messes that build up into one massive problem! Why don't I just take the 30 seconds to wipe it up when it's a little mess?
And it reminded me of keeping a short account with God. Dealing with sin daily and asking God for forgiveness before it builds up and becomes a major problem.
And keeping a tab on anger and bitterness that so easily builds up. It seems like in my life it happens little by little, a small offense or off-handed comment that I let fester into a big time grudge. After which every comment or gesture is cause for me to take offense.
Thinking about Christmas and all God has done for me makes me feel like a petty little brat for harboring these feelings. I've been trying to practice asking God for forgiveness daily and asking him to show me areas that need change that I don't even see yet. And asking Him daily to replace my feelings of bitterness, anger or resentment with His love.
The amazing this is that He does it!
Colossians 3:5-17
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Perspective
I had the opportunity to go to a baby shower last weekend for one of my college friends. I hadn't seen most of the girls since the last baby shower two years ago. My crazy fun roommate was even there from San Diego.
Most of my friends didn't start having kids as early as I did or have as many. So it seems I'm a few years ahead of them in this journey. It was a really good reminder to me of the mission of mommy-hood. They are all in that stage of infant and toddlers running you weary all day. Their sentiments all echoed the same frustrations: You long for a shower, hope to leave the house, feel the need to provide constructive things for them to do, make play dates and actually play with them.
I remember how miserable some of my days were when we had 3 kids in diapers and lived in a little trailer house. I felt as if my life had somehow come to a screeching halt. All I did was change diapers, do dishes (yeah - no dishwasher), do laundry, make food, clean up messes and change diapers. People would tell me how they have such fond memories of those years and just wait until they are teenagers. I always figured at least teenagers leave sometimes!
Now that we have 3 kids in school it seems like I am past that stage. But when I got home I realized I am NOT past that stage. I guess I forgot on the two hour drive that I still have a toddler and preschooler at home. This week I have been literally running frantically between them. Maren wants to sit on the toilet and have me sing to her, she takes off her poopy diapers, she dumps all the stuff out of the pantry and opens some Christmas presents. Annie wants to watch a movie, have a piece of gum, have a story read to her, help me in the kitchen and so on.
I think why it feels different now is the perspective that comes from seeing how fast that time really does go. After getting through it three other times I can laugh more when things go wrong. I'm more laid back about schedule, outings and wearing clothes. I don't try to make things perfect. If they dump out all the flour it can be cleaned up. If they want me to play or be held or read to, I can put my other stuff on hold. It's still frustrating, but it's just not the end of the world.
I've learned that these precious little ones are ours for a short time.
When we go to school or get a job we learn to be outcome based people. What's the result? Where's the profit? It just doesn't happen like that in mothering. At the end of the day we won't necessarily feel like we've accomplished anything. That's hard to accept, especially if a year ago you were getting your masters and working at a challenging and satisfying career.
Teaching kids to love and live like Jesus takes time and relationship. That's what we are building day by day. I'm starting to see a few of the outcomes with my older kids. We have spiritual conversations. I see them being loving to their friends or helping me without being asked. There's a long way to go but now that I have a taste of the results of my painstaking effort, it makes all the little stuff a lot more manageable.
I want to encourage you, especially during this Christmas season, to forget all the hustle and bustle and enjoy the little ones God has given you. After all the whole story of Christmas is about relationship: God sent Jesus to earth so we could have a relationship with Him.
Take time to make cookies together, watch a Christmas special, and play in the snow. When I take time to step out of my "outcome based" mentality, I can truly find the joy in being a Mommy!
Most of my friends didn't start having kids as early as I did or have as many. So it seems I'm a few years ahead of them in this journey. It was a really good reminder to me of the mission of mommy-hood. They are all in that stage of infant and toddlers running you weary all day. Their sentiments all echoed the same frustrations: You long for a shower, hope to leave the house, feel the need to provide constructive things for them to do, make play dates and actually play with them.
I remember how miserable some of my days were when we had 3 kids in diapers and lived in a little trailer house. I felt as if my life had somehow come to a screeching halt. All I did was change diapers, do dishes (yeah - no dishwasher), do laundry, make food, clean up messes and change diapers. People would tell me how they have such fond memories of those years and just wait until they are teenagers. I always figured at least teenagers leave sometimes!
Now that we have 3 kids in school it seems like I am past that stage. But when I got home I realized I am NOT past that stage. I guess I forgot on the two hour drive that I still have a toddler and preschooler at home. This week I have been literally running frantically between them. Maren wants to sit on the toilet and have me sing to her, she takes off her poopy diapers, she dumps all the stuff out of the pantry and opens some Christmas presents. Annie wants to watch a movie, have a piece of gum, have a story read to her, help me in the kitchen and so on.
I think why it feels different now is the perspective that comes from seeing how fast that time really does go. After getting through it three other times I can laugh more when things go wrong. I'm more laid back about schedule, outings and wearing clothes. I don't try to make things perfect. If they dump out all the flour it can be cleaned up. If they want me to play or be held or read to, I can put my other stuff on hold. It's still frustrating, but it's just not the end of the world.
I've learned that these precious little ones are ours for a short time.
When we go to school or get a job we learn to be outcome based people. What's the result? Where's the profit? It just doesn't happen like that in mothering. At the end of the day we won't necessarily feel like we've accomplished anything. That's hard to accept, especially if a year ago you were getting your masters and working at a challenging and satisfying career.
Teaching kids to love and live like Jesus takes time and relationship. That's what we are building day by day. I'm starting to see a few of the outcomes with my older kids. We have spiritual conversations. I see them being loving to their friends or helping me without being asked. There's a long way to go but now that I have a taste of the results of my painstaking effort, it makes all the little stuff a lot more manageable.
I want to encourage you, especially during this Christmas season, to forget all the hustle and bustle and enjoy the little ones God has given you. After all the whole story of Christmas is about relationship: God sent Jesus to earth so we could have a relationship with Him.
Take time to make cookies together, watch a Christmas special, and play in the snow. When I take time to step out of my "outcome based" mentality, I can truly find the joy in being a Mommy!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Go Deep
We are knee deep in snow now after a good old Minnesota snow storm. But that's not the kind of deep I've been thinking about.
There are those times in life where you just feel ragged, on the edge and as one of my friends deftly described it "raw". A few weeks ago, dealing with a screaming 18 month old all day and night was leaving me ragged. Not enough sleep, too much to do, bills to pay all pile up to make me feel numb.
Then there are the friends going through hard times ( I talked to at least 10 people that were laid off last week alone), ministry stresses and trials. I can wake up in the morning and have a hard time finding the strength to pour a bowl of cereal. I sometimes wonder what the point is. All the time and energy we pour into ministry and people continue to walk away from church and turn their backs on Christ. It seems like I should be able to find a verse in the Bible that says "Put Christ first and life will be easy".
I picked up a book we've had on our shelf for a long time called "Reaching for the Invisible God" by Philip Yancey. It's really feeding that part of me that wonders about faith and if it's worth it. One of the stories he tells is about his pastor when he lived in Chicago named Bill Leslie. He felt like he had reached a place of Spiritual emptiness. He went on a weekend retreat and talked to his spiritual director, a nun.
Really? My faith might depend less on what I do and more on the journey towards Christ! What a shock. I've always thought I had good faith. That I would dutifully do all that God asks of me and He in turn would make everything good and comfortable.
But as I've found myself running dry at times in my life of faith, the choice is to either give up and stumble through or go deep and seek after God. A few weeks ago as some crises broke out in our ministry I was driven to work on my Bible study. I knew that I was in over my head and that the only way I could get through was to be with Him. And yet it did not make things easy. It's still messy and I still struggled with some things that directly related.
As I raise my children each day, I want to go beyond carting them to things, helping with homework and feeding them food. I want to disciple them so they can learn to go deep. Not that it is going to make everything easy. Actually it will probably mean a more difficult road in a lot of ways. If we truly want to follow Christ, there will be things we won't buy, shows we won't watch and places we won't go. There will be challenges and struggles along the way.
So I'm going to learn to go deeper. I want to know Him more intimately by studying the Bible, praying desperately, and seeking, not what I can do, but what He can and who He is.
2 Corinthians 5:7
We live by faith, not by sight.
Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
There are those times in life where you just feel ragged, on the edge and as one of my friends deftly described it "raw". A few weeks ago, dealing with a screaming 18 month old all day and night was leaving me ragged. Not enough sleep, too much to do, bills to pay all pile up to make me feel numb.
Then there are the friends going through hard times ( I talked to at least 10 people that were laid off last week alone), ministry stresses and trials. I can wake up in the morning and have a hard time finding the strength to pour a bowl of cereal. I sometimes wonder what the point is. All the time and energy we pour into ministry and people continue to walk away from church and turn their backs on Christ. It seems like I should be able to find a verse in the Bible that says "Put Christ first and life will be easy".
I picked up a book we've had on our shelf for a long time called "Reaching for the Invisible God" by Philip Yancey. It's really feeding that part of me that wonders about faith and if it's worth it. One of the stories he tells is about his pastor when he lived in Chicago named Bill Leslie. He felt like he had reached a place of Spiritual emptiness. He went on a weekend retreat and talked to his spiritual director, a nun.
"He expected her to offer soothing words about what a sacrificial, unselfish person he was, or perhaps recommend a sabbatical. Instead she said, 'Bill there's only one thing to do if your reservoir runs dry. You've got to go deeper.' He returned from that retreat convinced that his faith depended less on his outer journey of life and ministry than on his inner journey toward spiritual depth." (page 73)
Really? My faith might depend less on what I do and more on the journey towards Christ! What a shock. I've always thought I had good faith. That I would dutifully do all that God asks of me and He in turn would make everything good and comfortable.
But as I've found myself running dry at times in my life of faith, the choice is to either give up and stumble through or go deep and seek after God. A few weeks ago as some crises broke out in our ministry I was driven to work on my Bible study. I knew that I was in over my head and that the only way I could get through was to be with Him. And yet it did not make things easy. It's still messy and I still struggled with some things that directly related.
As I raise my children each day, I want to go beyond carting them to things, helping with homework and feeding them food. I want to disciple them so they can learn to go deep. Not that it is going to make everything easy. Actually it will probably mean a more difficult road in a lot of ways. If we truly want to follow Christ, there will be things we won't buy, shows we won't watch and places we won't go. There will be challenges and struggles along the way.
So I'm going to learn to go deeper. I want to know Him more intimately by studying the Bible, praying desperately, and seeking, not what I can do, but what He can and who He is.
2 Corinthians 5:7
We live by faith, not by sight.
Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
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